Team Testimonies!

 

 Marilee Devries. When I first heard about going on a mission trip I immediately questioned if I could be one of "those People" With little money and a fair amount of uncertainty my heart strings began to pull.... I selfishly thought this is exactly what I needed to not only to calibrate my moral/spiritual compass but also strengthen the connection my head and heart have. (longest 12 inches in the world)I didn’t think I had any thing to offer the team/locals outside of being adventurist, enthusiastic and having a strong work ethic.  It was all I knew I had, however God saw the bigger picture and I was "all in".

The first couple days of the trip I questioned peoples sincerity. Never before had I been in a place that simply gushed with love and kindness. I suppose that is what happens when 100 like-minded people get together and LOVE AS JESUS. While on the mission I realized how often Knowingly/unknowingly I put my will ahead of His. It is soooo easy to become anxious and put my own timeline on things only to find myself hurrying up to wait. I had to continuously remind myself it is not about me, I am a member of a team and a servant to our Lord.  I fortunately found out that there are many ebbs and flows and the more I flowed with people places and things the more time God had to intervene. More times than not I would have missed out on divine appointments had things been timed the way I wanted them to be. As for living closely with 9 women, that is an adventure in and of itself! I know we are all wonderfully unique children of God and even though we all came from different backgrounds and had different expectations of the mission I found out I had more in common with them than I thought. I know it is difficult to empathize with someone I barely know but I found out the key is to realize I may not have experienced what they had physically but I had emotionally.
 

I made soo many friendships with teammates, Surfing The Nations staff and even a few locals it was awesome.. It was a priceless part of my spiritual journey that I will not soon forget!!!

Ashley Sewell. Going on this mission trip to Wahiawa, Hawaii was out of my comfort zone in a good way. God worked through me in so many ways, one example was when we were having lunch with the homeless and a man stated he didn't like white people. Later his sister apologized and said she was sorry for her brothers actions. I told the woman that I would pray for her brother, God gave me the words to say. I have learned when you go on a mission trip, you have to put it all in Gods hands, because there is no use worrying about what will happen next, because he already has it planned out.

    I feel like going on mission trips is something you must do. We are Gods children and he wants us to minister to people that don't know him, so what better way to do that is on a mission trip. I need my medicine, is the phrase I use  when I go to God related events.Another way God worked through me was to be more confident in praying in front of others. There were times, when we had team meetings, or we went to this event called international prayer. I had to pray out loud, boy was I nervous, but God gave me the courage and strength to pray in front of others.

    God changed me for the good, I learned to not taking things for granted and be grateful for what I have. I end this trip with alot of new friends, a closer relationship with God, and a beter understanding of how I can help the needy or the homeless and those are the ones that need pray the most. I recommend that everyone experiences mission trips at least once in there life!

Shawn Slawson. I never thought I'd be in Hawaii. I also never thought I'd be using my talents for such good. The mission started for me when my dad first told be about the trip. I felt a little tug that I should go. Not knowing how it was going to work, I still moved forward.

The trip started off with a bang. We were thrown right away into different ministries. I was surprised to find out how warm and receptive everyone was at STN. I felt like I was at home right when I showed up. After two days of being there my brother and I were approached to do a short film for a local dance group involved with STN. The film came together like magic. Seeing the joy and excitement coming from them made me feel like I had done my part for the kingdom.

This trip was an incredible journey, spiritually, emotionally, and physically. I learned how to see a different world through gods eyes. I learned to value the things I have, and to forget the things I don't. I've learned to listen better, see clearer, love deeper, reach farther, be bolder, and most importantly to love unconditionally.

Jessi Panyk. Words can't really describe my experience on this mission to Wahiawa but I'm going to try.  I will be honest here and say that I absolutely did not want to go on this trip.  God was asking me to leave my two small children, including a baby daughter with health issues, and travel 5,000 miles away.  I couldn't see or understand why He would want me to do this and I agonized and struggled and fought with God.  It was a difficult and heartbreaking decision to leave but God had made it clear in many ways that I was meant to go. 

I now cannot imagine having missed this experience.  God used the Wahiawa mission to awaken a dormant part of my heart.  He used it to remind me how much of a heart I have for the homeless and for missions in general.  He used it to restore my joy.  And he used it to bring me 'back.'  I don't really know where I was, but I was missing.  I didn't realize the emptiness inside of me until He filled it to overflowing with joy and love.  Over and over I was shown, in ways I could never have predicted, how much He loves me and how much blessing He wants to pour into my life.

God had something different for every member of our team.  He gave me something I didn't expect - a deep and abiding love for Wahiawa.  I fell in love with the people, the buildings, the air, the town of Wahiawa itself.  He gave me a passion to see Wahiawa delivered from the darkness.  And He clearly told me that my work here is not yet finished.  I didn't want to go on this trip, I even resented God for sending me.  And now it hurts to leave.  I leave behind a piece of myself.  But I know I will return to continue the work He has for me.  If I hadn't surrendered and obeyed?  If I hadn't gone on this mission?  My life would heading down a completely different path and I would have missed the HUGE change He made in me.  I like to call it my Extreme Makeover: Heart Edition.  I would still be walking around with emptiness and lacking in joy.  This trip has changed my life forever.

If you're considering a missions trip stop considering and say YES.  I don't know what lessons or experiences God will have for you, but I promise He will have them.  He is faithful and loving and just wants to heap blessings on those who serve Him. 
 

Nate Hansen. Mixed feelings. I had always had them before the mission started.  Mixed about bringing my home life into it, the fears of not having that "tied down" feeling that is so comfortable when my children are around. Mixed feelings on "what God wants me to do here?!"
There were a lot of questions.  Why did God choose me to go on this mission trip? How will I feel being away from my kids for so long?  Will I get discouraged?  Will new doors open up? Will old doors shut forever? Was I being called to help others with my skills unknown or to get closer to God?

Looking back on all of these things now, they all make sense to me. My girls were upset at first that I would be leaving them for 10 days, but were "proud" that I was going, they understood what I was doing and hopefully if they ever get the chance to go.. they’d take it!  

I have learned skills that I never knew I had.  I've learned to accept things for what they were.  I've learned to be thankful with what I do have and not be bitter for what I don’t.  The most important thing that I learned is love.  I have learned to love more than ever. The cynicism and bitterness is being replaced with Love and it is an amazing feeling. 

Kathy Dvoratchek. As I walk into an unknown world, one of awe, excitement, the overpowering presence of God.  This mission trip has brought me to a new place in my life, meeting people who have gone from strangers to friends, from friends to family.  It was an experience that will never be forgotten because of a change it made in my self-confidence to be able to reach out to people that love even thou they may have nothing, but are willing to share that little bit they do have.  I have gained a new understanding of what is meant by giving it all to the Lord.

I have learned what the true meaning of being part of  TEAM is.  It is not I or ME it is WE!  We that share feelings, love, tears, happiness, support, beds, bathrooms with one for 10 women.  Each day bringing a closer relationship with team members, experiencing what they have experienced through their words and their eyes.  Each and every experience led by God. Taking us on a journey we have never been on before, but want to share how we feel. Maybe today we cry  for someone in need or we laugh with someone that just needs a friend, while at the same time praying for the needs of each person we meet.

This mission trip has given me the ability to listen closer to God, to hear what he has been trying to tell me for a long time but forgot to slow down long enough to give him space to get in!  I have found that God does not act on all things immediately, he waits for the right time, right place, right moment to spring things on you.  I had an over powering yearning a few months ago to look for a women named Gloria, I tried to find her in church, in Tres Dias, whereever I thought the Lord might be wanting me to look.  I had to go 5,000 miles away to find the Gloria that several months ago God had put on my heart.  She was the kitchen and financial person at STN.  As we have exchanged emails and phone numbers I know that is one person I will never forget, she made an impression on my heart that can never be erased.

I could have walked away, as I tried several times to make up excuses why I should not go on this mission trip, with every excuse God resounded loudly that there would be no excuse good enough to keep me from getting on that plane.  What I now realize more than ever is that God is always right and he will let you know it.  I am a stronger person, my self-confidence has grown beyond belief, I can now listen to the Lord first and put all others things aside until he is thru with me.  I have been able to give over to him all the burdens that I started with and will continue on that path to bring new life to my spiritual and personal life.

God is good, let him control your journey that he set up long before you were born and you will find that there are miraculous things out there that you can experience if only you will open your heart and let God take charge!

GLYASDI

Erika Fountain. The one word that comes to mind from this mission trip is love.   If people want to love others and be loved;if they would like renewed energy; if they would like to know God in a deeper way... than missions is the way to go!

It changed my whole being.  My perception went from "help those people", to help "us"...as it turns out "those people" are one of us and they are family.  I was challenged and stretched.  It was like breaking out of a cocoon I wasn't aware I was in.

Wild Bill Lange.  56 year old, fat, out of shape, physically broken…but God still has a use for you on any and all missions, so don't let your age, shape, or health hold you back.

This was my first mission, hopefully not my last (God willing) I did not think it was possible that I could make a difference but God knew different. He showed me and led me in the ways that I think not only helped others but also helped me. So no matter what your skills are or if you think you have none, by all means please consider a mission trip of any kind. You will be glad you did. And you will make God happy, too.

Jenn Bradley.  From the very beginning, I felt God pulling me toward the mission’s trip. At first I told myself I must be wrong, “why would God send me?” I quickly realized why. We have all found strengths in our God given talents. I learned more in this short time than I’ve learned in years-not only about myself, but the world and people around me! We have made connections as a team that will, God willing, last a lifetime.

The empowerment that came from setting aside all things to pursue a goal, in the name of God is unmatchable! I thought I was here to help others, but I NEVER expected how they would help change me. I have made connections with the local people I hope to never forget. I can feel my heart growing from the love between everyone!

You can feel the power of Christ flowing through Wahiawa! So much that has happened here can only be explained by divine power! So many chance encounters and signs telling you, you’re on the right path. I hope I have made a difference here, but I KNOW I am different.

Through my experiences here, I have become a person I never thought I was, and it feels great!

Aloha ke Akua!

 

Josh Duesterbeck.  Wow!  What an experience I had on Mission to Wahiawa this past January!  We worked with Surfing the Nations (STN), a nonprofit organization that teaches surfing to local kids while also telling them about the love of Jesus. 

God has given us all unique gifts and we were able to use those while on mission.  I used my gifts of administration and organization to build some shelving and organizing storage room.  I also helped my friend Mike with some electrical projects.  We put new lighting in the STN offices and wired up a new gate, providing extra security to the living quarters.  I listened to the needs of the STN staff and gave them loads of encouragement.  I met many new friends and became closer to the other people on the mission with me.  They gave me constant encouragement and by the end of the trip, they had become like my family.

I believe God brought me here to serve the STN staff.  Others were here to impact the lives of Wahiawa residents, children and adults.  God uses all of us in our own ways once we commit to Him and take that step forward. Doors open and God reveals Himself.  I pray you consider doing a mission trip.  It benefits everyone involved, from the donors and prayer warriors that support you to your local church; and of course the people you serve.  Finally, God works in yourself when you surrender yourself to him and serve on a mission.  It has propelled my spiritual life and brought me closer to Jesus, my Savior!  It has given me a new way to live out the vision for my life:  To Love God and Love People through my time, talents, and treasure.  
 

Mike Kokosis.  Hello, my name is Mike Kokosis.  I has a very hard time on going on this mission trip to Surfing the Nations.  It all started out feeling out of place with a bunch of Wisconsin people and me being the only one from Chicago.  The only person I knew and, thank God I did, was Wes Slawson.  If it wasn’t for him, I never would have made it through.

My initial intensions in coming took at 360 degree turn.  I thought I would change people’s lives but they changed my live in one way or another.  I met some awesome people out in Wahiawa.  I have never been surrounded by so many nice people in one place in my life.

The first six days or so I was struggling with life back at home, but one day I woke us and said to myself, “I leave it in God’s hands now.”  And the Spirit of God took me over.  I felt like I was walking in Heaven.  Nothing could get in my way to destroy the Spirit in me. 

I had lost the Spirit a few months ago, but whenever I see my wife, the way the Spirit is working in her, I keep telling myself I need to be like her.  So she is one of the reasons I came to Surfing The Nations.  I wanted to serve them on whatever they needed.

I am going to miss everybody from STN, especially Jeff (The Leadership Director).  We became good friends forever and for the Wisconsin people, I have 17 new family members in my life forever. 

I’ll close with this note, give your steering wheel to God and he will give you the ride of your life!  Amen & God bless!

Patie Geldermann.  The planning all came together over the last week before the trip.  I feel I was able to help in ways others were not able to in raising funds and getting shirts printed and embroidered for the trip.  Thinking about it now… maybe that is why I was called to be on this trip.  Helping to prepare the team for their mission. 

I do remember always wanting to go on mission trips when I was young.  Going on this one was very rewarding.  The members on this team are warm, kind, friendly and we were able to motivate and encourage others as needed throughout the trip!  I will be encouraged to be part of a mission again.

You need to remind yourself that you are on this journey for God’s will, not your own – on God’s time frame, not your own!  Allowing others to grow while waiting is a joy to watch.  Group validation of events, team praying, team outreach, all touch your heart as you can’t imagine.  If not careful, the disconnect happens in the group before even getting on the plane to come home.

Hoping to hold on to the heartfelt happiness of the trip will be my primary goal.

Quietly listening for God’s words!

Becca Ringelstetter.  God is good and He is love.  I’ve always had the desire for missions.  I didn’t know why and didn’t think God would ever pick me for such an incredible outreach.  I thought I wasn’t a strong enough Christian.  I have responsibilities at home to attend to, I have no extra money.  I’m a single mom that struggles to make ends meet.   Although I had all these doubts, my desire to love on the less fortunate would not pass on my heart. 

I knew going on a mission trip would change me however, I just didn’t know how or how much.  I knew that God loves me where I’m at and I needed to be obedient to His calling.  I do have to admit I got extremely excited right away when I first heard The River was taking a missions trip and was inviting the people to join me on the journey.

For me, now that I have experienced this adventure, I’m renewed and revived with my relationship with our God, Jesus Christ.  I’ve experienced many ups and plenty of downs, but grew as a whole person.  Although it was hard at times, the whole connection was definitely a positive WOW factor!

If you were to ask me if I would do this again, without hesitation I would respond with a “Where’s the sign up sheet?”

I would encourage you to take that step out and give it a shot!  It’s something you will never forget and be forever changed!  “For I know the plans I have for you,” declared the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 

God is awesome!